Copper and other heavy metals in grapes: a pilot study tracing influential factors and evaluating potential risks in China

In this study, grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) were systematically sampled across the main grape-producing areas in a nationwide survey of China. Grapes from special regions, such as heavy metal polluted areas (e-waste dismantling area) and pesticide free areas (courtyard) were also collected to make a comparison. Grape skins and pulps were separated to evaluate influence of accumulation behavior, environmental transport and water cleaning efficiency to heavy metals. Levels of copper in grape skins (5.02 ± 3.18 μg/g) were higher than in pulps (3.74 ± 1.48 μg/g). Only high level of copper in two grape skins (sampled from an e-waste dismantling area) showed obvious decrease during water clean-up procedure, indicating the influence of air deposition. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the copper levels of grapes from markets, courtyards and e-waste dismantling areas. Concentrations and sources of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) were also analyzed. Higher levels of these heavy metals were observed in grape skins than pulps. Finally, we evaluated the risk of ingesting heavy metal through grapes using the estimated daily intake (EDI). No health risk was found by consuming grapes according to the data from this study.